Curt, I agree whole-heartedly with you. Knowing you're background & my experiences in the military & 26 years with PSP, I saw too many times the, "Now what do I do?" syndrome. The only thing that prepares you, is doing it. I hope to meet you @ Elysburg in June. I think we can exchange quite a few stories. Butch

I believe Curt and Butch miss the most common point. In a military situation one's adversary will most certainly use deadly force. Criminals, however, will, in many cases be detered by the mere presentation of a weapon by an intended victim.

Buz. I don't disagree about the military situation. In civilian life, I don't think a lot of people are focused in on what to do in an emergency. I saw far too many instances of either too fast to pull the weapon or the weapon wasn't pulled at all, due to confusion of what to do. Either way the victim got into hot water, either with the court system or the aggressor (badguy). I'm not endorsing nor denying carrying a CW. Just stating facts.
The initial post of the Majors statement was as good as it gets as to why to carry. I just don't think all CWs are carried with the proper mindset of how/when to use them.

As a point in fact, more criminals are shot by citizens than by the police. And on average with a helluva lot less bullets, too, meaning overall their marksmanship is better. I think the use of firearms by citizens in self-defense situations is being underestimated here.

Yes are right to care should never be questioned. Muzzleblast has a good point too. Once you show or tell them you have it youv'e now raised the threat level are you ready to use it? I've seen legal shooting mess with there heads for years later or life. Exhaust verbal attemps to defuse first "IF TIME ALLOWS"
Even if your legally right in a shooting you'll have plenty of lawer fee's and court time